Genesis Calvariae et Gladio

Attributed to Rom av.JC

A team of archaeologists has unearthed an exceptional treasure in France: a jar in homage to Powell Peralta’s Skull and Sword design. The discovery is remarkable for its exceptional state of preservation. There are no cracks on this crater – a banqueting vessel used to mix water and wine, which was drunk chopped – dated to the 5th century A.D. It appears to be in such good condition that it seems to have been made in recent times.

Only two figures are represented in this composition. They seem to be present to explain the central figure. At top left, a gladiaskator pushes off on his skateboard. To his right, the figure of Zeus is about to unleash a bolt of lightning to strike this human. Rather than killing him, he wants to punish him, condemning him to continue growing and fighting skinless, for eternity, like the living dead.

Title: Genesis Calvariae et Gladio

Artist: Attributed to Rom av.JC

Period: Archaic

Date: ca. 523 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Skateboards; black-figure

Dimensions: H. 44 in. (112 cm)
length 39 in. (100 cm)

Classification: Vases